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by Mark Maxwell Abushady, NYC Film Yogawoman
Yogawoman is an ambitious film seeking to cover the yoga “revolution” in America, which, it contends, has been driven by “a new generation of dynamic women (who) have claimed this practice and started a revolution that is changing lives.” As I watched this film and thought about my own experiences with Yoga, I realized women and yoga are inextricably linked for me; it is hard for me to imagine a yoga class that wouldn’t approach the subject with the gentleness, intuitiveness, and a nurturing atmosphere (except perhaps certain power-yoga, fitness/gym oriented classes) this film attributes to women practitioners. Nischala Devi, on of the many interviewees, further explains the difference in approach from the female perspective, stating that “whatever you need, the practice (of Yoga) can fit into, instead of you fitting into the practices . . . heart and intuition is brought into it.” The film includes other interviews, some brief, some lengthy, with an impressive array of female yoga practitioners, teachers, authors and advocates from around the world. Particularly moving was the story of Seane Corn, who related how she entered the field and how it has changed her life path and purpose. Her charitable work, through her organization “Off the Mat” is one of the highlights of the film. Another is a beautiful, flowing series of postures executed by Shiva Rea. Gynecologist Dr. Sara Gotfried, speaks of the value of Yoga in hormonal balance, emotional fulfillment, and its ability to prevent depression, anxiety and insomnia. Other topics touched upon in this film include the significance of the rise of Brahmanism in 1000 BC (creating a male-dominated society which effectively shut women out of the practice of Yoga), other medical issues for which Yoga is of great help (Jnani Chapman, a Yoga teacher who also trains other teachers to work with people with cancer and other chronic illnesses provides some great interview footage on this subject), diet, Yoga during pregnancy, menopause, senior years, and spiritual connection with self. Recommended, certainly, for women yoga students, practitioners and teachers. However, like many such specific audience-targeted films, the rest of us can learn something as well. I know I did.
During this time of primaries and re-election campaigns when we reflect upon our values, those of our government and of the current crop of candidates, the time couldn’t be better to watch a film such as Ecuador. The film will cause reactions both pro and con, but will certainly open a dialogue about issues of global concern. In some ways, the film is a ‘tribute’ to current Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, his ideas, and his policies designed to empower his country and people. Calling it 21st Century Socialism, the version he is trying to develop rejects violent change, class struggle, one-size-fits-all models, the state owning all means of production, and fundamentalism. What it embraces includes humanism and solidarity, “intelligent environmentalism, intelligent feminism and indigenism,” and the notion that certain strategic assets, especially natural resources, must belong to all society. His concept rejects the Capitalist model, promoting a paradigm (as stated by Ricardo Patiño, Minister for Foreign Affairs) “. . . where men and women (are) no longer considered as a tool of production but as the beneficiaries of production. Where human health and happiness are our objectives.” Against this political backdrop, Correa made an unprecedented proposal: The Yasuni Initiative. Building upon the idea that no environmental preservation program will work in a poor country unless the preservation leads to better living standards for the people, Correa, focusing upon the Yasuni Preserve – one of the most biodiverse areas in the world – proposes that the millions of barrels of oil beneath its pristine rainforest remain untouched, but that his country should be compensated for the worldwide benefits of such an action. Although the Yasuni Initiative is at the heart of this film, much more in the way of political philosophy is discussed, (including an opposing viewpoint), through interviews with members of the Ecuadorian Government, the private bank of Ecuador, and private citizens. These are interspersed with scenes of the towns and the beautiful Ecuadorian countryside. The music, composed by Leon Milo, is as interesting and innovative as Correa’s concepts. In French and Spanish with English subtitles, this film is highly recommended. Music
TranscenDance Michael Bernard Beckwith When it comes to hip-hop and rap music, I’m kind of finicky. That said, I loved this offering from Michael Beckwith, whom many of us have seen in a number of popular self-help and spiritually oriented films. “I’m taking an adventure in paradise. And guess what? I’m taking you with me! I’m activating my spiritual stimulus package. I’m taking an adventure in paradise” is the chorus of the first joyful offering, and listening to it, I believe when he states “I’m taking you with me!” Beckwith is very compelling and charismatic, and these qualities come through each cut beautifully. With tracks varying from hip-hop to reggae to pop, rap, electronica and more, the through line is Beckwith’s preaching/message of self-empowerment, love, joy and light. Frankly, it’s great to hear in this format. Spiritual lessons you can dance to! Nice.
Surrender is compilation of dreamy, jazzy cuts with a modern, progressive sound. Its fabric is made of synthesizers, flugelhorn, vocals, programmed drums and loops. Some cuts, such as ‘Vocé Quer Dançar’ seem to carry the listener away to another state of being. Indeed, all of the cuts are transformative in some way, as well as experimental in a very pleasing fashion. A great CD which invites introspection and almost demands surrender into the moment.
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Ecuador
Surrender